How Much Does a Will Cost in South Carolina?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in South Carolina costs about $41,437 — roughly 8% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensation, 5% cap, $50 min), § 62-1-111 (attorney fees), § 62-3-1201 (small estate affidavit — $45K personal property, 30-day wait, no real property), § 62-3-1203 (summary administration — $45K), § 62-3-603 (bond not required by default in 4 enumerated cases; § 62-3-605 demand for bond), § 62-3-801(a) (8-month publication notice), § 62-3-803 (creditor claims — earlier of 1 year from death or § 62-3-801(a) period), § 62-3-203 (PR priority order), § 8-21-770(B) (graduated probate court fee schedule: $25 / $45 / $67.50 / $95 tiers, +0.15% over $100K, +0.25% over $600K); 2025 Act No. 26 / H.3472 (small estate + exempt property thresholds raised from $25K to $45K, eff. May 8, 2025). Verified against scstatehouse.gov 2026-07-14.Verified Jul 14, 2026 These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance. Estimate the full cost with the South Carolina probate calculator.

A will does not avoid probate in South Carolina — probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes assets. Estates under $45,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure instead of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

Online will services cost $30-$300 upfront compared to $1,122-$2,244 for an attorney in South Carolina. Either way, the will goes through the same probate process. Total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and the eventual probate expenses heirs will pay.

Life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child require updating your will. Some online providers require purchasing a new document. Attorney amendments in South Carolina cost $415 to $830 for minor changes and $1,660 to $3,320 for major restructuring.

South Carolina has specific requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and notary rules. A will that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted during probate. See the full requirements with the South Carolina signing requirements tool.